Program Specialist Jobs in Illinois

Do you enjoy getting to know someone and coaching them towards achieving their goals related to work, relationships, and independent living? You could make a difference in someone’s life every day as a Residential Support Specialist Lead working with young adults between the ages of 16-21.

Residential Support Specialist Lead works one-on-one and in groups with youth experiencing mental health challenges. Within the residential setting, you will assist the clients as they learn and practice skills related to what matters most to young people: relationships, school success, recreational activities, health and wellness, early career experiences, and day-to-day living. You will also ensure safety by helping youth regulate and safely express their emotions, including using Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) skills. During an average day, you will teach independent living skills like hygiene and housekeeping, help residents prepare meals, model relationship building skills, and coach youth on coping skills.

Not only do you help clients develop key independent living skills, you are also fostering a safe and inviting living environment by regularly cleaning the residence. You will see their progress and document their experiences, success with medication management, and recovery process as they transition to adulthood. As a supervisor for the shift, you will also mentor and advise the Residential Support Specialists on the same shift.

To succeed in this role, you need:

• Passion for mental health advocacy
• Effective communication and relationship-building skills
• Compassion and respect while working in someone’s home
• Patience and willingness to meet youth where they’re at
• Good writing skills and attention to detail
• Willingness to work evenings and weekends
• To be able to perform Therapeutic Crisis Intervention therapeutic restraint techniques, which require moderate exertion, being able to lift 40 pounds, and the mobility to lower self to a kneeling position on the floor. This training is provided and required by Thresholds.
• Availability to work the following shifts: Sunday 9A-11P, Monday 3P-11P, Tuesday 1P-11P, Wednesday 3P-11P.

There are multiple educational pathways to be eligible for this role:

• High School diploma or GED certificate and at least 25 years of age.
• Associates degree or higher and at least 21 years of age.
• Prior experience with youth residential services preferred

What sets Thresholds apart:

• Competitive pay – Base rate: $23.10 - 25.40 per hour / $48,048 - 52,832 annually
  • Commensurate with education, licensure, and experience
• Generous PTO (9 federal holidays, 8 days of sick leave, 15-22 days personal and vacation)
• Dental insurance, vision insurance, choice of 4 medical insurance plans
• 403(b) retirement plan with 3% employer match
• Robust employee assistance program (EAP)
• Public service loan forgiveness
• Supervision for clinical licensure at no cost (LSW, LCSW, LPC, LCPC)

Thresholds is a mission-driven agency with a deep commitment to fostering an environment where all feel valued and respected, a place where every employee can be themselves, thrive, and support the agency’s mission. Click here to learn more (https://www.thresholds.org/about).

One of the oldest and largest community mental health organizations in Illinois, we pride ourselves in being a Chicago Tribune Top Workplace and one of Chicago’s 101 Best & Brightest Companies to Work For, several years in a row.